A Unique Path to Stardom

The Football Interview series features prominent figures from sports and entertainment engaging in candid discussions with host Kelly Somers. These conversations delve into the mental and emotional aspects of football, highlighting pivotal career moments, personal growth, and the inner drive that defines success. The series offers a glimpse into the lives of athletes beyond the pitch, exploring their passions, challenges, and aspirations. This week’s episode will air on BBC One at 23:35 BST on Saturday, 11 April, following Sportscene in Scotland.

A Season of Trials and Triumphs

Ollie Watkins’ ascent to the top of English football has been anything but conventional. Starting in the National League with Weston-super-Mare, he eventually reached the European Championship semi-finals nearly a decade later, securing a crucial goal for England. His career then took him to the Champions League with Aston Villa, where he now plays as a key forward. This season, however, has tested his consistency, with nine Premier League goals and a single assist in 30 appearances falling short of his usual standards.

From Street Football to the Big Stage

Watkins recalls his early football experiences with fondness, emphasizing the carefree nature of youth play. “I was kicking bouncy balls around as soon as I could walk,” he says. “Whenever I went out, I’d always return with a football in hand.” His passion for the game began in local matches, where he often found stray balls to play with. A turning point came when a friend invited him to football practice, sparking his journey into structured training.

Kelly Somers: So, that was your first team. What can you remember of your first session with them? Ollie Watkins: It was different. I was used to playing football at the park with my friends. This felt more organized, but the fun was still there. There was coaching, and I realized I had a knack for it.

Chasing Ambitions and Finding Inspiration

While Watkins admits this season has been “difficult,” he remains focused on his goals. Scoring against West Ham before the international break and two goals against Bologna in the Europa League recently boosted his confidence. These performances have reignited speculation about his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. Reflecting on his progress, Watkins credits his international aspirations to conversations with former England striker Michael Owen, who provided guidance during his challenging period.

Kelly Somers: At what point did you realize, ‘OK, I’ve maybe got something here that the other kids haven’t got’? Ollie Watkins: There was a standout player in my team whose dad coached us. I idolized him, but I didn’t think about it seriously until academies. By then, I started to see my potential.

Watkins’ path to professionalism was marked by early trials. At nine, he joined Exeter for a test but didn’t make the cut. Told to return in six weeks, he struggled to focus, opting instead to play with friends. It wasn’t until two years later that he secured a spot in the academy, where he stayed until his professional debut at 21.

Kelly Somers: I know it’s a long time ago now, but at nine years old that must have been your dream to play for your local team. Ollie Watkins: Yeah, it was. Being told, ‘no, sorry, this isn’t right for you at the moment’… I remember feeling discouraged. But I needed to keep playing, not just for the team, but for myself.